An untitled work by Sign Savant, a member of the Dark Arts Artist Collective, is part of the display at the School of Social Work through Dec. 21.

It’s a full week in UW arts as autumn begins to resemble winter. Art is on display at the School of Social Work and on sale at the School of Art. Plus, there’s ballet, drama, a concerto competition and a two-day conference on feminist art.

Also this week, the School of Music celebrates the 150th anniversary of Claude Debussy’s birth year with the first of three concerts under the title “French Connections.” Robin McCabe, professor of piano and host of the concerts, said Debussy (1862-1918) “absorbed the sensibility of his age and altered musical expression” well into the 20th century.

“Just as the Impressionist painters demanded a new way of seeing, Debussy’s music demanded a new way of listening,” said McCabe. “Of experiencing the interplay of color, light and texture as ‘painting’ in sound, so to speak.” An interesting insight about the man who said, “Works of art make rules; rules do not make works of art.”

Exhibit: “Dark Arts,” through Dec. 21. About 30 mixed media pieces including metalwork, paintings and collages are on display in the first floor gallery of the School of Social Work. The works are by the Dark Arts Artist Collective, a group that includes a social work alumnus and which seeks to reflect the diversity of the urban community and dispel stereotypes about urban street art. The reception is 5-7 p.m. Nov. 29, at the gallery. The exhibit is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. To learn more, contact Madeline Galbraith, co-chair of the school’s art committee, at madeline@uw.edu.

Art sale, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Nov. 15-16. A once-a-year sale of affordable art made by the students, alumni and staff of the School of Art. In the Jacob Lawrence Gallery.

“Secret Garden,” by Wu Mali, 1999.Leo Lee

Conference: New Geographies of Feminist Art, Nov. 15-17. An interdisciplinary conversation among art historians, anthropologists, historians, artists, curators and Asian and cultural studies scholars examining the practice, circulation and cross-cultural significance of feminist art from Asia. Press notes state, “We seek to understand how Asian women have negotiated changes in the contemporary art world and intervened in politics of visual representation.” Organized by Sonal Khullar, UW assistant professor of art history; and Sasha Welland, assistant professor of anthropology and gender, women and sexuality studies. Information and agenda are online. Keynote address by Shu-mei Shih of the University of California, Los Angeles, at 6 p.m. Nov. 15, in 220 Kane Hall.

Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet will perform in Meany Hall Nov. 15-17.

Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet, 8 p.m., Nov. 15-17. This company has distinguished itself through its exceptionally talented dancers and its repertory of new works by the world’s most sought-after international choreographers. In Meany Hall, presented by the UW World Series. Tickets are $39-$43 ($20 for students), 206-543-4880.

Art lecture: Helen O’Leary, 6 p.m., Nov. 15.O’Leary is an associate professor of art at Penn State University. The lecture, titled “Irregular Activity,” is hosted by the School of Art’s Painting and Drawing Program in room 003 of the Art Building. Free and open to the public.

“Meet the Mammals,” 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Nov. 17. Ever wanted to touch a bat? Or get close to a tiger? Meet hundreds of specimens from the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture’s mammalogy collection at this family-friendly event featuring hands-on activities and mammal experts. Included with museum admission; free for members.

“French Connections” will be a three-part series in Brechemin Auditorium starting on Nov. 18, and continuing March 3 and May 19, 2013.

French Connections: Music by Ravel, Debussy and Takemitsu, 4:30 p.m., Nov. 18. The first of three performances in Brechemin Auditorium by faculty, students and guest artists honoring Debussy. Each performance is preceded by brief remarks. Tickets are $10, cash or check at the door. Program information is online. 206-685-8384. Series continues on March 3 and May 19, 2013.

Concerto Competition, 7 p.m., Nov. 19. School of Music students from three divisions — piano, strings and orchestral instruments — perform for outside judges in Meany Hall. The winners will perform with the UW Symphony at upcoming concerts. Tickets are $10-$15, 206-543-4880.

2012 Stratus now available. The 2012 edition of Stratus: Journal of Arts & Writing is now available from Professional & Continuing Education. “Stratus is a great annual opportunity for our students and graduates to reach a wider audience and take another step toward fulfilling their artistic dreams,” said Roxanne Ray, program manager for academic programs in the arts and edits the compilation of works by students and graduates of courses in literary fiction, photography, natural science illustration and other topics. Read a 2011 UW Today story about the publication, and read the 2012 edition online.